Four-toed Salamander
(Hemidactylium scutatum)
The Four-Toed Salamander measures 2 - 4 inches in length. This salamander posses only four toes on the hind legs. The body and tail is reddish-brown with black spots. The sides are gray and the belly is white.
In late winter or spring 2 - 3 dozen eggs are attached to sphagnum moss or other foliage near water. The female guards the nest until the eggs hatch 6 - 8 weeks later. After another 6 weeks the larvae transform into adult salamanders.
This salamander is usually found in bogs and floodplains. They can usually be found under rocks, leaf litter or fallen logs near sphagnum moss. The tail is autonomous which means that it will readily break off if grabbed by a predator. If the tail does break off a replacement is grown soon.